Core cabinet approves programme law as polls show broad support for key reforms
The federal government’s core cabinet reached an agreement on Wednesday night on the second reading of the programme law, marking a key step toward implementing the De Wever government's planned reforms. Among the most significant measures is the controversial limitation of unemployment benefits to a maximum of two years.
The programme law outlines the first wave of reforms under the Arizona coalition. One of the headline changes is the phased introduction of time-limited unemployment benefits, which will come into effect on 1 January, 2026.
"This programme law already contains a first series of reforms that the De Wever government wants to implement, such as the phased introduction of the limitation of unemployment over time," explained employment minister David Clarinval (MR).
Action of the non-profit sector, organised by the trade unions in Brussels on Thursday 22 May 2025.
© BELGA VIDEO MAARTEN WEYNANTS
Unemployment reform phases
The new measure will initially affect only those who have been unemployed for more than 20 years. Starting 1 March, 2026, it will extend to those unemployed for more than eight years, with full implementation following on 1 April.
Clarinval underscored that the gradual rollout is the result of consultations with regional authorities, social partners and the public welfare centres (OCMWs), as well as feedback from the Council of State. “I hear that 1 January as a date would have too big an impact for many people, including the OCMWs, so we have decided to implement the first phase in three steps,” he told Belga.
Between January and April 2026, around 115,000 people are expected to lose their unemployment benefits under the new regulation. While this change is projected to generate 2 billion EUR in savings next year, the first phase will result in a reduction of 300 million EUR in government income compared to initial estimates.
A second wave is scheduled for 1 July, 2026, affecting an additional 60,000 people. Approximately 180,000 people are expected to lose their benefits next year.
Exemptions and financial impact
The two-year limit will not apply to individuals receiving the income guarantee benefit from the RVA (National Employment Office), which supports those working at least part-time. This exception is expected to reduce projected government savings by 43 million EUR.
Public opinion backs reform
The cabinet agreement came shortly before the release of the annual De Stemming opinion poll, which indicated broad public support for the De Wever government’s reform agenda. The 2025 edition of the survey was conducted in March by the University of Antwerp and the Université Libre de Bruxelles, on behalf of VRT NWS, De Standaard, and, for the first time, RTBF.
The findings reveal that majorities in Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels support limiting unemployment benefits to two years and harmonising civil servant pensions with those in the private sector. In Flanders, support for both measures exceeds 70 per cent.
Divided views on fairness
Despite the general support for key reforms, public opinion is more divided when it comes to perceptions of fairness. Just 18 per cent of Vooruit voters believe the burden of reform is being distributed fairly. That number rises to 29 per cent among Les Engagés voters and 35 per cent for CD&V. Only MR and N-VA voters show majority satisfaction with the way responsibilities are shared.
Prime minister Bart De Wever pictured during a press conference of the federal government, Friday 11 April 2025 in Brussels. © BELGA PHOTO HATIM KAGHAT
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